‘The Wire’ takes on ‘Treme’ in epic battle of the bands

WASHINGTON – What do you get when Antoine Batiste goes up against Omar in New Orleans? A “Treme” versus “The Wire” battle of the bands.

The showdown is a fundraiser for two charities benefiting the New Orleans music community, which has struggled to rebuild in the post-Katrina years.

Galactic and the Stooges Brass Band will go up against Baltimore’s funk-jazz pioneer Lafayette Gilchrist and Washington D.C. go-go icon Anwan Glover & The Backyard Band.

Representing the local bands will be actor Michael K. Williams, formerly Omar on “The Wire” and currently Chalky White on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” On the New Orleans side will be Nola native Wendell Pierce, who played Antoine Batiste on “Treme.”

“I’m predicting something epic, something with blood on the floor,” says Pierce in a news release. “I’m just thankful that Michael can’t get his sawed-off shotty past the TSA.”

The big night kicks off at 8 p.m. May 11 at New Orlean’s Tipitina’s Uptown. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $100 for VIP, which includes an open bar and a chance to schmooze with the HBO cast members. Call 504-895-8477 for more information or buy online.

“It will not be pretty,” says “Treme” executive producer Eric Overmyer. “The rules of engagement are no rules. Prisoners will not be taken.”